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JuniorTukkie May 2016
Law
A win for Team South Africa in The Hague On 22 January 2016 team South Africa won the 2016 International Schools Moot Court Competition, held at the Peace Palace at The Hague in The Netherlands (often referred to as the seat of international law). The competition was held from 18 to 22 January and it is the third competition of its kind. The Hague is home to the United Nation’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court. This year the theme of the competition focused on the issue of crimes against humanity during a time of war in the fictitious country of Cheketalo. Out of the 11 other countries that participated in the competition – namely, Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, Mongolia, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, St Martens, USA, and Venezuela – South Africa triumphed over Team USA in the final. The South African team comprised learners from various schools ranging from rural to former model C schools.
The following TuksLaw students trained and prepared the learners during a four-day workshop: Stephen BuabengBaidoo, Nyembeni Dhavana, Tinotenda Kakora and Gift Kgomosotho who also acted as national coordinator, coach and chairperson of the competition. Learners participated in eight elimination rounds at Leiden University Law School. Teams had the opportunity to argue before esteemed, international judges, both as defender and complainant using international criminal law and treaties that are relevant to the International Criminal Court. The South African National Schools Moot Court Competition is organised by the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development and the University of Pretoria. It is also supported by the University of Venda, independent law firms and non-governmental organisations and funded by the Foundation for Human Rights. The winning team! Clara-Marie Macheke (Springfield Convent) Claire Rankin (Springfield Convent) Shandre Smith (Gibson Pillay Learning Academy) Katelyn Chetty (Gibson Pillay Learning Academy) Nthabiseng Mbatha (Sakhelwe High) Simon Motsheweni (MH Baloyi) Paseka Selinyane (MH Baloyi) Mandisa Xaba (Sakhelwe High)
Pictured with Team South Africa is (from left): Principal at Gibson Pillay Learning Academy, Mahalingam Pillay; family member of ClaraMarie Macheke, Fortune Moyo; Simon Motshweni; Paseka Selinyane; Ambassador for South Africa in The Netherlands, Vusi Koloane; Department of Basic Education: Deputy Director of Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, Malebo Lefoka; Claire Rankin; Clara-Marie Macheke; Katelyn Chetty; Shandré Smith; teacher at MH Baloyi High School, Stephanie Mashilo; Mandisa Xaba and Nthabiseng Mbatha. Read more: www.southafrica.info/about/education/team-south-africa-wins-290116.htm#.VuleouJ97IV#ixzz434WyqZ7P www.derebus.org.za/south-africa-tops-at-international-moot-court-competition www.derebus.org.za/south-africa-tops-at-international-moot-court-competition